130 THE HORSE IN AMERICA 



The trotting men, however, avoid this by say- 

 ing that trotting and pacing are the same gait, be- 

 cause many horses both trot and pace and be- 

 cause a pacer can be converted into a trotter. 

 This theory is beyond my inteUigence. I know 

 that the natural gaits of a natural horse are walk, 

 trot, and gallop. Many that do these gaits, as in 

 the case of the Denmarks, can do several others 

 besides — the rack and the running walk, for in- 

 stance. Yet no one will say that these gaits are all 

 the same. It is too preposterous to discuss. Be- 

 sides, the pace is not a fit gait for a gentleman's 

 roadster. It may be well enough for butchers, 

 barkeepers and gamblers, but a gentleman 

 should have a gentleman's horse. 



It has not been a pleasure to say these things of 

 what some call the great light harness horse of 

 America; but when breeders, through false prin- 

 ciples, go a wrong road it ought not to be con- 

 sidered an unkindness to call their attention to 

 the fact. A few years ago in a magazine article I 

 told the truth about Hambletonian's breeding, 

 and received many indignant letters of protest. 

 One kind gentleman up in Massachusetts, asked 



